Cozy Romance with a Touch of Faith
If you’re in the mood for something light and sweet, Maybe This is Love by Maria Mahat is such a cozy read. The first few chapters give you that soft K-drama romance vibe, and honestly, it’s the kind of story that makes me want to curl up with a cup of ice matcha and just enjoy the flow. I actually started reading it on 17th July and finished it by end of August 2025.
What I really love about this book is how it brings in an Islamic perspective on love. It’s not heavy or complicated, just simple and beautiful. The message is clear: if someone is truly meant for you, no matter how “wrong” the timing feels, Allah will make it happen in His own perfect way. That ending… just beautiful.
Grounded Characters
The characters are another highlight. Sufiah is strong, she knows what she wants, and I found myself admiring her confidence. Then there’s Reza, his character development really touched me. Watching his journey of wanting to become a better Muslim felt so natural. It never felt forced, and that’s what made it special. It is a reminder that iman and love can grow together.
Reflection
There’s a line from Maybe This is Love that stayed with me: “It took a great deal of courage, commitment and sacrifice to sustain a marriage.” Reading it as a married person hits differently. The truth is, marriage isn’t just about love. Once you step into it, you realize it’s also about sharing responsibility. But when there’s love, those responsibilities feel lighter. They go hand in hand.
I’ve never believed in the idea that love should be painted in a condescending or overly idealistic tone. Marriage is beautiful, but it does come with sacrifice. And that’s normal. Sacrifice teaches us patience, it makes us remember Allah more often, and in the end, it reminds us that all hope rests with Him. Allah owns everything, including the hearts of people. So in marriage, we constantly make doa that things will be fine for us, that we are given strength, sabr, and the ability to go through challenges with dignity, always finding a way out with His guidance. For me, marriage is the best platform to grow beautifully with your partner, striving to be a better person together in a way that is pleasing to Allah SWT.
Imperfections That Make Us Human
Another thing I appreciated in the book is how the character Sufiah is portrayed. She isn’t perfect. She’s grounded, very human, and her struggle lies in being judgmental at times. That’s what makes her relatable because we all have flaws.
And there’s one line that felt like a personal reminder: “…Just because they were in a space where she felt comfortable and empowered, it did not mean she could treat him that way.” It felt like a gentle reminder to me as a reader, as a human being. Sometimes comfort makes us forget, but this was a reminder to always treat our loved ones, the people around us with respect, even when we feel most at ease with them or we are in the upper hand situation.
Final Thoughts
It may be light reading, but Maybe This is Love carries wisdom and values that stay with me as the reader. For me, the strongest part of this book is how Maria Mahat manages to blend something cozy and sweet with meaningful reflections on life and the idea of marriage.
It’s a comforting read, especially for teenagers and young adults, but even for those who are already married, there are lines in this book that hit deep and feel like gentle reminders. At the end of the day, it’s about trusting Allah’s timing, being patient with life’s tests, and choosing to grow beautifully with the person He has written for us.
